The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has launched its strategic human resources (HR) plan for 2024-2026, marking a significant milestone in DIEZ’s journey to develop a comprehensive HR system. This system aims to create a work environment that improves the performance of human resources and talents within DIEZ and its affiliated economic zones, thereby increasing employee loyalty and retention.

This strategic HR plan aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to advance government operations and systems and improve quality of life, positioning Dubai among the top three. cities of the world in terms of standard of living.

The strategic plan is based on five main pillars: investing in people, developing an optimal working environment, increasing Emiratization levels, adopting the most efficient and advanced systems and leveraging human resources as business developers. This step aims to accelerate operations, support customers, increase economic savings and adopt modern technologies, thereby fostering a positive, constructive and flexible work environment that meets the demands of future jobs.

Innovative concepts

Yousuf Behzad, Director of Human and Organizational Development at DIEZ, said: “DIEZ is committed to adopting various plans and strategies to improve and maintain a flexible working environment within the Authority and its affiliated economic zones. This involves identifying human resource needs, particularly in light of the growing reliance on AI technologies, to ensure we anticipate and meet the demands of future jobs. Implementing advanced technologies such as AI is a top priority for our Human Resources department as it aims to improve the quality, speed and efficiency of government services. Additionally, it enables UAE talents to realize their full potential in various fields through continuous support, training programs and qualifications.

“With the launch of this strategic plan, which aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, we aim to achieve new levels of employee satisfaction at DIEZ. This will be accomplished by adopting innovative concepts in government innovation to develop human capital and encourage both domestic talents and global innovators.

This approach strengthens well-being in the workplace and community, ensures professional and personal development and strengthens the position of the authority and its economic zones among the best places to work in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. Ultimately, we support the vision of making Dubai a global city of innovation and creativity,” added Behzad.

Emiratization as a priority

DIEZ is committed to increasing Emiratization rates within the authority and its economic zones as part of its strategic priority to develop a robust human resources ecosystem. The authority aims to achieve several key objectives in this area, including preparing UAE nationals for management and leadership positions, which currently boasts an Emiratisation rate of 88 per cent.
The authority has successfully appointed over 40 Emirati talents in various departments over the past two years, further reinforcing its commitment to providing the best employment and career development opportunities for UAE nationals. Additionally, in 2024, DIEZ achieved a remarkable retention rate of 98% of all its employees compared to 2023, reflecting the exceptional working environment it offers its staff.

New initiatives

The strategic plan encompasses several initiatives and programs aimed at achieving key results, such as accelerating customer service processes, improving financial efficiencies and continuing adoption of the latest technologies in business support services . Key initiatives and programs include the launch of an Employee Entrepreneurship Program, a Youth Skills and Leadership Development Program, an Emirati Graduate Program, and a National Education Program. talent attraction and capacity development. This is in addition to other initiatives focused on improving the physical and mental health of employees.

Prestigious government programs

DIEZ has successfully hired and graduated employees from numerous prestigious training, qualification and development programs in the public and private sectors. These include the Government Accelerators Diploma, the Dubai Future Experts Program, the Executive Diploma Agility in Government Management and a Masters in Law and Financial Crimes, among others offered by top colleges and universities.

Additionally, DIEZ is committed to collaborating with government and the private sector. Recently, it partnered with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai, its strategic educational partner, to implement joint research projects and provide internship and professional training opportunities for DIEZ university students. This partnership also includes sponsorship of DIEZ employees pursuing higher education at university. Additionally, DIEZ has collaborated with RIT – University of Dubai to offer preferential tuition rates for academic and executive development programs to its employees and businesses in its economic zones, highlighting DIEZ’s commitment to nurturing talent and promote innovation within its ecosystem.

Additionally, the strategic plan includes a series of initiatives to increase workplace flexibility for employees, aimed at increasing productivity and fostering sustainable development. It also involves putting in place a comprehensive system of rewards and incentives, developed through an in-depth study carried out by DIEZ in collaboration with experts and consultants. This system aims to create a competitive work environment that attracts top talent and improves employee satisfaction.

Keeping pace with digital developments

DIEZ has recently launched a series of initiatives aimed at adopting technological advancements to benefit employees by improving efficiency and productivity. Among these is the implementation of Microsoft 365 Copilot within its operations to accelerate innovation, drive digital transformation and adopt the latest advanced AI-based solutions. These tools aim to streamline DIEZ’s processes and those of its affiliated economic zones, improving operational efficiency and increasing employee productivity to enable DIEZ to focus more on providing exceptional and innovative services to all investors and customers. Additionally, DIEZ will introduce a digital assistant platform that integrates various applications to support daily tasks, such as content creation, communication and presentation development. Leveraging AI and machine learning, this platform will deliver accurate, data-driven results.

Complete economic model

DIEZ comprises three well-established free zones: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity. It uses an integrated approach between these areas to strengthen their role in strengthening the national economy and building an ecosystem that serves all strategic sectors, thereby strengthening the competitive capabilities of the Emirate of Dubai.

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